Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley Wow! My view is amazing. From high on a bluff gazing across the vast Pacific Ocean – and entirety of beautiful San Luis Obispo Bay, curving along California’s Central Coast, with rocky coves, sandy beaches and magical coastal towns of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and tiny Port San …
Big Bear Snow Play Gets a Jump Start to Winter by Making Tons of Snow! Below freezing weather conditions in Big Bear Lake have allowed Big Bear Snow Play to make plenty of snow and get a jump-start on the winter season. In fact, Big Bear Snow Play just reported one to three feet of …
Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley Timeshares. The concept is arguably one of the most – if not the most – confusing travel experiences on the planet. Created in the early 1970s and ‘80s it’s actually – surprise, surprise – the world’s first “shared economy” product. Where people bought a “share” of time at a …
If your bucket list includes viewing an incredible display of Alaska’s Northern Lights, Gondwana Ecotours might be exactly what you have been seeking with its new eight-day “Alaska Northern Lights Adventure.” The custom crafted tours are designed to gift guests a dose of local culture by day, then photograph the Aurora Borealis under the massive …
By Kathy Strong Laguna Beach has been an exclusive haven for the arts for nearly a century, as well as the sparkling jewel of Southern California’s own scenic Riviera coastline. A year-round destination, Laguna shines brightest in the summer months. Gentle ocean breezes combine with some of the cleanest beaches, water and air on the …
Handel’s Ice Cream and Visit Oceanside have teamed up to offer three delicious ice cream flavors inspired by the beloved Southern California beach destination. The limited-edition partnership launched June 1, 2024 at the Handel’s Oceanside location, just in time for the summer heat. The cooling artisan series includes unique flavor profiles fit for every customer’s …
By Barbara Beckley Ultra chic. With curved architecture and glass walls opening to views of championship greens and beautiful desert mountains. The perfect backdrop for every social occasion. Sip shaken-not-stirred martinis or French champagne, with delicious nibbles and meals at the second floor VUE Grille & Bar. Golfers call it “the 19th Hole.” Arrange …
By Barbara Beckley This incredible dining room by West LA interior decorator David Levine is just the beginning of what you’ll see now that the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design make-over of the1902 English Tudor Revival style Potter Daniels Manor is complete and open for tours through May 19. Levine outdid himself with layer …
By Barbara Beckley I recently attended the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design “Empty House Party” – and wow! This year’s manor do-over is going to be a must. As arguably SoCal’s oldest (founded in 1965) and easily, most interesting fundraiser, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design always delights with stylish re-dos of elegant mansions …
By Kathy Strong California’s equivalent to the Carlsbad Caverns was closed to the public for several years. The Mitchell Caverns have re-opened for public tours in certain months. As the only limestone caves in the California State Park system (and only one of two you can enter), the natural attraction offers fascinating stalactite and stalagmite …
Monterey County on California’s Central Coast beckons visitors to find their own paths to adventure. With a breadth of different adventures and escapes, no matter the path – wellness, family, outdoor and epicurean – it all leads to the same place—an inspirational and memorable experience. The Wellness Path: Connect Within and Find Your Center Combining …
There’s no place like SoCal’s San Diego for the winter holidays, where guests can warm up to sunshiny days, uncrowded beaches, and inviting laid-back vibes. Evan Hotels’ Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Bay and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla are the perfect coastal retreats to soak …